Yes, you can drive into Joshua Tree National Park at any time, as the park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Entering at night is a popular activity in 2026 because Joshua Tree is an officially designated International Dark Sky Park, offering some of the best stargazing opportunities in Southern California. There is no "gate" that closes to traffic, though the entrance stations are often unstaffed during late hours; if you enter when the booths are empty, you are still expected to have a valid pass or pay the fee at a self-service kiosk or via the NPS app. Drivers should exercise extreme caution at night, as the park's roads are winding and unlit, and many animals—including desert tortoises, coyotes, and jackrabbits—are most active after dusk. Stargazers are encouraged to pull into designated parking areas or campsites rather than stopping on the road shoulders to ensure safety and to protect the delicate desert flora from being crushed by vehicles in the dark.